Memphis city council members approved an anti-discrimination ordinance on the first of three readings Tuesday. And they requested a study of city hiring policies to determine if there is discrimination in city government hiring practices.

Veteran state Rep. Ulysses Jones Jr. of Memphis has died. Details of his death early Tuesday were not immediately available. His death was confirmed by legislative colleague and fellow firefighter Larry Miller.

The Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence will hold a workshop Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at its office, 5100 Poplar Ave., suite 502. Judith Millesen, associate professor at Ohio University, will speak on the topic “Fundamentals of Board Governance.” Cost is $99 for members, $150 for nonmembers and $89 for those in the Program for Nonprofit Excellence. For more information, call 684-6605 or visit www.npexcellence.org.

WASHINGTON (AP) – Inventories held at the wholesale level rose for a ninth consecutive month in September while sales rose for a third month, encouraging signs that the economic expansion will continue.

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court seemed wary about a business-backed challenge that could make it almost impossible for consumers to band together to make claims against their cell phone carriers, cable providers and credit card companies.

WASHINGTON (AP) – Leaders from both parties in Congress vowed Tuesday to spare more than 21 million taxpayers from significant tax increases when they file their returns next spring by adjusting the alternative minimum tax before the end of the year.